Service + Tutoring Equals Pride (STEP) gives youth in grades 5-8 a safe and positive environment to connect with caring adults. Our goal is to increase academic performance, student self worth and civic engagement within the community, thereby creating a positive and empowered voice among our youth. STEP is designed for youth who are struggling academically and socially. Through participation in tutoring sessions and supplemental educational activities and clubs, STEP youth work towards improving their grades by one full letter grade over the course of the year. Youth participate in theater games, arts and crafts, service learning projects, field trips while also exploring post-high school career and educational opportunities.

During the 2010-2011 school year, results from the STEP program include: - 86% of youth improved their grades - Youth toured eight college campuses and 100% of youth indicated an interest in pursing a post secondary education - Over 1,000 hours of service were contributed to the community through the support of STEP youth, volunteers and interns.

STEP will launch on Monday, October 10th,2011 and will end on Thursday, June 7th, 2012. STEP meets every week (minus holidays) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m.-8p.m. Field trips and service learning projects will also occur one Saturday per month.